In the first formal announcement as part of the tax reform package,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Tim Fischer has
confirmed that exporters are to get a big boost.

Speaking at Hyden in Western Australia at the State
National Party Conference today (Saturday), Mr Fischer said the tax
reform package was the last opportunity to tilt the unlevel playing
field in favour of our exporters.

“Prime Minister John Howard will announce as part
of the tax reform package that all exports of goods will be GST-free
and all GST on business inputs will be fully refunded.”

“Let me make it clear, every container of export goods will depart Australia GST-free.”

“This is the tax reform bonus in part which flows
from replacing the antiquated wholesale sales tax (WST) system with
a broad-based indirect tax.”

“It is all about lifting the slug of WST off the
backs of our exporters and transport operators, tilting the unlevel
playing field in favour of exporters and rural and regional Australia
generally.”